This book is one of my book club reads for 2025. I enjoyed the way the story is presented and found it to be an easy ready. Here is my book review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.
Books
Although I read much of my books on Kindle due to my travel life, I love a real book. The feel and smell of a book…particularly an old book – wonderful. So does Ashlyn Greer, the protagonist in The Echo of Old Books. Ashlyn had a unhappy childhood, and her escape was a rare book store where she spent hours. As an adult, she now owns and manages this little gem of a shop. It’s here where she has realizes she has a special touch with books. She can feel “echoes” in the books about the previous owners.
A Discovery
Ashlyn discovers two beautifully bound old books that seem to be a pair, but the books have no author. She can’t find a publish date either. Only two interesting inscriptions. Ashlyn begins a long and difficult search for more information about these unusual books that are giving her unusual vibe. Eventually she reaches out to the man who donated the books to the rare book shop. Eathan, the son of the owner of the books, is hesitant to get involved. He is busy on deadline for his own book he is writing. Eventually Eathan’s interest is peeked, as Ashlyn tells him about the characters in these books – Belle and Hemi. Together Ashlyn and Eathan begin to discover the true identities of Belle and Hemi.
True Love
This novel is both a mystery and a love story as we learn more about Belle and Hemi. A series of misunderstandings and malicious intent kept them from being together. This discovery also brings Eathan and Ashlyn closer. Soon they realize this love story research ha as become more than just about the mysterious Belle and Hemi.
Book Review The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
A easy read with some fun twists and turns, though a bit predictable. The magic touch Ashlyn has with books seemed a bit contrived to me. I think the story could have progressed nicely without that somewhat silly addition.
****Four stars for The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis.
Maui might be a once in a lifetime trip for you. If it is, you hopefully can afford to do some of the most amazing activities the island offers. But plan well in advance and be ready to spend a pretty penny. It is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. So here are some tips if you want to enjoy Maui on a Budget.
I have been lucky enough to visit Maui many times, and have enjoyed the Luaus, whale watching, snorkeling and some amazing first class meals.
Kamaole Three Beach
But during our most recent visit, we made a big effort to lay-low and spend less. Sticking to our pre-designed budget is important in our travels, otherwise we can not continue to travel as we do. On our recent visit to Maui there were some new activities we considered, from cooking classes to glass blowing to chocolate tours. But, we chose to do Maui on a Budget. And you can too.
It won’t be easy, but there are ways to enjoy Maui on a Budget. And through the years I have discovered several things you can do to save money. Hopefully, some of these suggestions will give you a positive visit to this beautiful island paradise without breaking the bank. So here are our suggestions for Maui on a Budget.
Maui
When to Come
Choose to visit the island during the off-season and absolutely don’t come over the Christmas holidays. June-October is a great time to visit and the island is quieter and you will have a wide choice of accommodations.
Maui
Where to Stay
There are many, many condos available for rent and you will find it less expensive to stay in a condo than in a resort. By renting a condo rather than a hotel you can cook most of your meals and not blow your budget on eating out. Condos usually offer great pools and barbecue area for guest use.
Kamaole Sands was affordable in Kihei
Groceries
If you have a Costco membership use it. Although the Maui Costco can be very busy, you can really save money by shopping there. We did price comparison on cases of beer and it was astonishing. Gas at the Maui Costco is also much less.
We also found prices at Foodland and Times grocery stores were less than Safeway. I always bring a few things from home such as a small amount of spices, coffee, rice. If you have the room, try to bring things that are portable and you know you use regularly.
Maui
Rental Car
It’s pretty hard to visit Maui without a rental car. Unless you are only staying for a couple of days I highly recommend you get a car. But there are several rental agencies on the island renting older model cars for much less. We have used Kihei Rent a Car several times. The cars we have rented are Nissan, about ten years old, run great and get us where we need to be. About $34 a day this last visit as compared to $99 – $149 at the more well-known brand name rental agencies. There are some other budget friendly rental car agencies on the island too. Do your research.
Maui Sunset
Dining Out
Dining out in Maui is pretty expensive. That’s why we mostly cook in our condo. It is less expensive to visit some of the restaurants where the locals go…I recommend Sam Satos and Saigon Cafe. Another really great way to save money dining out while getting to enjoy some of Maui’s best restaurants is to go to Happy Hour. Many restaurants have a daily Happy Hour and you can get a reduced menu but the same great food for much less money. For instance, we enjoy Three’s Bar and Grill in Kihei for their happy hour food menu and their Mai Tai, normally $14 is 6.25 during Happy Hour. You can get a comprehensive list here Maui Happy Hours.
South Maui Gardens
Consider eating at some of the local food truck villages that have popped up around the island over the past few years. Maui has tons of food truck options now including in Kihei, Kaanapali, Wailuku, Kahalui and more. One of my favorite new food truck little gem is South Maui Gardens. Read this for more for ideas.
Food Trucks
Equipment
Before you spend $60 at Costco to buy a beach chair, double check with your condo to see if they have chairs available. Many condos have chairs, snorkel gear and even boogie boards available for their guests.
Keep your eyes out for locals selling used gear along the roadside.
Gently used equipment
Snorkeling
The beaches are free of course (did you know every beach in the state of Hawaii is a public beach) and many beaches are great for snorkeling. You don’t need to pay for an expensive tour to Molokini to see beautiful fish and coral. Check out this list here. Snorkel gear can be a carry on item if you pack it properly, saving you rental fees on the island. Check with your carrier for more information.
Maui
Whale Watching
Now you won’t get up close and personal, but from December – March you can whale watch right from the beach. There are 10,000 humpback whales that visit the waters between Maui, Lanai and Molokai every winter. With so many whales it’s not difficult to see them from the beach or from the look out point located on the Honoapi’ilani highway between Kihei and Lahaina.
Whale watching from the look out at Honoapi’ilani Highway between Kihei and Lahaina
Nature
Be sure to visit two nature preserves in South Maui that are free to visit. The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers a walk through brackish area to view many of Maui’s most interesting birds. Access is from the Pi’ilani Highway ( also called the Maui Veterans Highway) and it is free.
Another part of this nature reserve is the Kealia Coastal Boardwalk, access this from the North Kihei Road. This is a great one for kids because it includes colorful and interesting interpretive signage and is an easy walk. Also free.
The ponds at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Hiking
Hiking is free and there are some wonderful hikes on Maui. Check out our post Six Great Hikes on the Island of Maui. A Maui hike also affords you the opportunity to bird watch, whale watch and enjoy the local flora of this island. Some hikes also have historic and sacred sites – be culturally aware and respectful and learn about the heritage and history of the Hawaiian people. By the way, if you are a Senior and have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass be sure not to leave it at home. The pass will save you the $30 entry fee into Haleakala National Park.
La Perouse hike South Maui
Hula Shows
Luau’s are expensive, and when you are trying to do Maui on a Budget they are out of the question. But if you want to see a free hula show during your visit, there are several places that offer shows at different times depending on the time of year. Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui Mall, Whaler’s Village, Four Seasons Resort Wailea and Kaanapali Beach Hotel all have shows sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines. See the schedule here.
If you are in South Maui, the Shops at Wailea do a wonderful free hula show with great live music every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30. This show is popular but there is a large area to sit on the ground or on a few chairs provided. Definitely worth it.
Another option is the Hula show held weekly at South Maui Gardens. This show costs $100 but it is full professional show with music. It does not include the luau food, just the show. It’s very popular and sells out in high-season so reserve ahead of time. Learn more at South Maui Gardens.
Canva
Golf
If you want to golf on Maui but can’t swallow the high prices, check out the Waiehu Municipal Course. Gorgeous views for a fraction of the cost.
Since we always stay in Kihei, we bring our clubs and golf 2-3 times a week at Maui Nui. If you plan to golf more than three times, it pays to buy the Maui Nui Players Program Card. Maui Nui has been extensive improvements over the past few years and we really enjoy it.
Golfing at Maui Nui
Other Cool Stuff
Visit Ho’okipa to watch the surfers….its absolutely remarkable and its free. While you are there you will probably also see turtles. This is the beach you can almost always be guaranteed to see turtles hauled up and sunning themselves on the beach. We have also seen the Hawaiian Monk Seal sleeping on the beach here. A rare treat. Remember…the seal and the turtles are protected…stay back and enjoy from a distance.
Maui
A lot of people try to go to Haleakala for sunrise. I admit it’s a cool thing to do, but reservations are now required. Sunset is easier and free and you can view it from much of the island. There are dozens of places to watch the sunset from Makenna to Kapalua, for free.
Maui
Give Back
Whether you are on a budget or not, consider giving back to the people of Maui. Many people suffered greatly during the recent Lahaina fires, and during Covid prior to that. Every time we visit Maui we make a cash donation to the Maui Food Bank. Thanks for considering it.
Maui on a Budget
Yes you can do Maui on a Budget with a little frugal planning. It’s worth it to enjoy this island paradise, even if you are watching your pennies. Maui No Ka Oi!
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The first book I read in the new year fell pretty flat for me…despite it having descent reviews. It was very predictable and I struggled to even see it to the end. All that said, I know it is right up the alley for many readers, particularly if you love books like The Girl on the Train, The Wife Upstairs and Nine Perfect Strangers. Here is my book review The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding.
Homeless
Despite her wildly successful restaurant, Lee finds herself living in her car after the pandemic shuts down her restaurant. Running from a investor who is threatening her, Lee is working at a diner and trying to save enough to rent a tiny apartment. This is not how she thought her life would turn out. Then she meets a guy who seems genuinely interested in her…could this nice guy be real?
Unlikely Friendship
While sitting in her car one cold and rainy morning Lee notices a women walking on the beach. She seems to be crying and yelling and then she flings herself into the cold water. Despite herself, Lee can’t let this women commit suicide and she drags her out of the water and onto the beach. They have a bit of a heart to heart and Lee learns, despite the wealthy house Hazel lives in, she is essentially a prisoner there thanks to her overbearing husband.
Lee thinks she will never see Hazel again, but the next morning Hazel shows up with pastries and hot coffee. Could this women really be interested in being friends with her?
All is Not What it Seems
When Hazel asks Lee to help her disappear to get away from her husband, Lee gets caught up in a twisting story, with characters she soon learns she should never have trusted and a wild ride ensues as Lee tries to keep herself out of jail and out of harms way.
Book Review The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding
I definitely saw this plot unfolding long before it did…I found the book predictable and not believable and I did not like the ending either. Sorry fans of female thrillers – but this one did not do it for me.
***Three stars for The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding.
Thanks for reading my book review The Drowning Women by Robyn Harding. See last week’s book review My Friends by Hisham Matar.
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We love to hike and when we are traveling we always set aside at least one day a week to hike and get out into nature. And during our recent visit to Maui we discovered another great hike to add to the many favorites we already have on this beautiful island. So today I thought I would share with you six great hikes on the island of Maui.
West Maui
West Maui
The area known as West Maui is home to Lahaina, Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua. We spent six weeks exploring this area recently. Here are two of our favorite hikes.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
This trail can be busy but it’s worth it because it is so beautiful and definitely one of the six great hikes on the island of Maui. Parking can be difficult but look for street parking near the Napili Kai Resort, or paid parking at Kapalua Golf Course. Start the hike right at Merriman’s Restaurant where the trail heads north. The trail then winds through spectacular lava flows where you can see crashing waves and nesting shearwaters birds nesting. Follow the trail along the road at the Kapalua Golf Course and out to the Dragons Teeth Labyrinth. Round trip about 4 miles. Learn more here.
Kapalua Coastal Trail
The Village Course and Duck Pond
The Kapalua Golf Club closed one of their three courses in 2007. Today the cart paths of the defunct Village Course are a unique and somewhat eerie (and steep) walk through a golf ghost town. It’s astonishing actually how quickly nature has reclaimed this course, making the fairways essentially unrecognizable only eighteen years later. The walk is about four miles round trip at the top is Duck Pond, a nice stop to rest or picnic before returning down. Learn more here.
The Village Course Trail
South Maui
South Maui is usually defined as Kihei, Wailea and Makena. We have spent a great deal of time in this part of the island and we love it.
South Maui
La Perouse/Hoapili Trail
This is one of my favorites of the six great hikes on the island of Maui, but also a bit rough and difficult. Traversing over sharp lava beds, come prepared with the right shoes. It’s a hot and arid trail but provides some stunning views across to the Big Island of Hawaii. The trail is also a sacred trail for Hawaiians, once part of the King’s Highway that circled the island. Crossing the 300 year old lava field is a unique experience, if you are up for it I recommend it highly. Wear a hat and bring lots of water. Learn more here.
La Perouse Hoapili Trail
Central Maui
The region sometimes referred to as Central Maui is home to the airport in Kahului and the government seat city of Wailuku as well as malls, shopping and industrial areas.
Central Maui
Waihee Ridge
About a 7 mile drive north and west from Wailuku you find the parking area for the Waihee Ridge Trail. We have done this trail several times and had a wide variance in weather each time. Come prepared for rain, wind, fog or clear blue skies…you never know. Arrive early for parking. The trail goes up and up the green and beautiful ridge for about 2.5 miles and if you are lucky the views are phenomenal. Learn more here.
Waihee Ridge
Haleakala
The astonishing volcano Haleakala rises 10,000 feet (3048 meters) out of the island and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. If you go to do either of these suggested hikes get an early start. Often the volcano is clear in the morning but clouds roll in later in the day. BE PREPARED, Haleakala can be very cold in the morning…cold enough to warrant a stocking cap and warm coat.
Haleakala
Sliding Sands
This is one of my favorite hikes on the island. Starting at the top of the volcano at the Visitor Information Center, Sliding Sands, as it’s name implies, is a red sandy trail that goes down inside the volcano crater. Don’t do more than you are capable of on this eleven mile round trip trail, because you need to come back up! Along this trail you will feel like you are on the moon. It’s beautiful, and you will also see the rare and endangered Silver Sword plant known only to grow in this volcano and the two volcanoes on the Big Island. Learn more here.
Sliding Sands and Haleakala Silver Sword
Halemau’u Trail
Approximately 14.2 miles up Highway 378 but before you reach the summit, you will see the Halemau’u Trail parking on the left side of the road. This trail often starts in the mist and clouds, but don’t despair. As you walk the ridge and then go down the rock face trail into the crater the weather usually warms and clears. There is a picnic area that is a good turn around point. Or you can hike all the way through to Sliding Sands and back up to the Visitor Center. But you will need to either have two cars or someone to bring you back to the Halemau’u parking area. Learn more here.
Halemau’u Trail
Maui Hikes
These are just a few of the many hikes available on the beautiful island of Maui. No matter your hiking skill level you can find a walk or hike on this island. If you are looking for additions to the six great hikes on the island of Maui check this out.
I know right up front there are a collection of people who won’t like this book. And that’s okay. If you like something lighter and not political than maybe this isn’t for you. But I thought this was a beautiful story, astonishing, lyrical and profound. Here is my book review My Friends by Hisham Matar.
Libya
Hisham Matar is an American born British/Libyan with another book The Return, nominated for both the Booker Prize and the Pulitzer. I need to read that one. In My Friends Matar navigates the Libyan political scene under the Gaddafi regime and the life of a forced exiled Libyan man living in England.
Read by the author, I was engrossed in this beautiful and difficult story that I listened to on Audible. The protagonist in the story, Khaled is also a writer, lover of poetry and a lover of the Libyan writer Hosam Zowa. Khaled hears a short story when he is just a boy in Benghazi by Zowa that will direct his entire life.
United Kingdom
Khaled will venture to Scotland for university, the pride of his father, mother and younger sister. Here he will meet another student and that relationship will change the projection of Khaled’s life when the two attend a protest at the Libyan Embassy in London. The events of that day, which Khaled barely survives, will keep him out of Libya and away from his family for decades to come.
Friendship
The heart of this beautiful book is about friends. How friendships can sustain us and also break our hearts. Khaled’s friends help him process the brutalities of the Gaddafi regime, even though they often disagree on what should happen in Libya. Khaled’s exile will test all aspects of his life; his complex feelings about his family still in Libya; how he sees his future as a Libyan man and the culture he was raised in; how his career unfolds; his love life; his personal regrets and fears and most of all his enduring yet multifaceted friendships.
Book Review My Friends by Hisham Matar
One of the best books I have listened to in a long time. I wonderful history lesson about Libya, a riveting tale of being in exile, and a beautiful story about the love of family, friends and country. I loved it.
I absolutely love writing this blog post each year. Throughout the year I think about what experiences and places might make this list. And when it’s time to write – it’s a fun walk down memory lane as I reminisce about the previous year of travel. Maybe I can inspire you to travel to some of these places. I know for a fact several of my followers are planning visits to Australia … which was our favorite country from 2023! I hope it’s fun for you to read and enjoy the awards we bestow on our favorites and the best of the best (and a few duds too) from our year of travel; the Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024.
The Acropolis on a rainy night
We are now into our ninth year of travel as part of The Grand Adventure. What a remarkable ride it has been. Not sure exactly what the next few years will bring…but it’s already open for discussion.
2024
What an incredible year. We have had a wonderful year of travel; both long stays and short, independent travel and guided. Though we prefer longer stays (and we had some good ones) this year included more short stays than in the past. This resulted in the greatest number of countries ever – TWENTY FOUR! The list includes; Thailand, Singapore, Italy, San Marino, Spain, Andorra, Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Austria, Slovakia, Madagascar, USA, Armenia, France, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, United Arab Emirates.
Wild & Wonderful Kyrgyzstan
Destinations – 24 Countries & 2 US States
Favorite Country – Madagascar
The wildlife in Madagascar blew my mind
I never imagined Madagascar would be my favorite country of this travel year. But we were astonished and enchanted by the beauty, the wildlife and the people. Madagascar had been on our bucket list for a very long time, and it was worth the wait.
Favorite City – a tie between Athens Greece and Vienna Austria
Athens
Vienna
With so many destinations it really is hard this year to choose one favorite, and these two cities charmed us. We returned to Athens after having a poor experience the first time and I am so glad we did. It is remarkable. And Vienna with its astonishing beauty is definitely one I hope to visit again.
Favorite Town – Khiva Uzbekistan and Alberobello Italy
Khiva Uzbekistan
Alberobello, Italy
For overall history, beauty and unique experiences these two lovely towns, though very different from each other, were our two favorites of the year. Khiva Uzbekistan and Alberobello Italy
Favorite Island – Crete Greece and Honorable Mention to Sicily Italy
Crete
Sicily
My husband and I discussed this category in depth and finally settled on Crete with an Honorable Mention to lovely Sicily. We had long stays on both, during off season in both, which gave us a great opportunity to experience the heart of these remarkably unique places. We would love to return.
Most Expensive Country – Austria
Vienna Austria
We only visited Vienna on our six days in Austria, but Vienna is expensive. Despite staying a bit outside of the historic core, our hotel was expensive. And despite loving all the food we enjoyed, it too was very expensive. But this city is worth a visit, no matter what.
Least Expensive Country – Thailand
For budget travelers, Thailand is the place
We spent a month on the island of Koh Chang, doing very little. We didn’t love our Airbnb, but it was comfortable enough and cheap. However it was so far away from anything including a supermarket or even a restaurant, we had little reason to spend any money during our month long stay.
Accommodations
More hotels than in past years but also several Airbnb’s, and some wonderful yurts!
Favorite Airbnb – Crete Greece
Restored Historic Airbnb in Crete
We loved this big beautiful stone house with swimming pool we rented with friends in Chania on the island of Crete. A restored historic home was perfect for a group. Another smaller unit next door we might consider in the future.
Favorite Hotel – Singapore
Comfortable, clean and affordable Singapore Oasia Hotel
We stayed in ALOT of hotels this year (35), it’s hard to even remember them all. But we chose the Oasia Hotel in Singapore as our favorite. In fact we just booked that same hotel again for next March. The best thing about this hotel was it was affordable, in a city that can break the bank, and the staff was great, room was comfortable and the location was excellent. I’m sure this will be our go-to for layovers in Singapore from here on.
Best Airbnb for Service – Yerevan Armenia
Yerevan Airbnb
Some Airbnb’s you never hear from your hosts, while others are helpful and kind. We had several exceptional hosts this year, but we give this award to our host David in Yerevan Armenia. When we were in a car accident (see more about that below) he made sure we got to a hospital, served as our interpreter and would not accept any compensation for giving up his Sunday to assist us. It’s rare we have emergencies like this, but we are forever grateful to kind people like David.
David never left our side at the Emergency Room
Most Expensive Airbnb – Chania Crete
A caveat is needed here – This Airbnb was three bedrooms with a pool and we shared the cost with two other couples. It was beautiful too and we loved our stay at $174 per night.
We loved this place in Crete I would like to go back.
Least Expensive Airbnb – Baku Azerbijan
The view from our Baku Apartment
Although it smelled of cigarette smoke, our older apartment in Baku also came with an amazing view – for only $35 a night.
Best View – Koh Chang Thailand
That view
Although we had some issues with this property and the host, we gotta say the view was unparalleled.
Most Unique Accommodations – Kyrgyzstan
Biggest Yurt ever is where we had our meals
Our tour through the Five Stans had us staying in hotels, home stays and yurts, and our favorite was the Almaluu Yurt Village in IssyKuhl Lake, Kyrgyzstan. Comfy and warm, the unique and historic style of nomadic housing is beautiful and functional and now I want one for my own!
Food & Drink
Favorite Cuisine – Sicily and Georgia
Sicily is all about the freshest ingredients
Kachapuri is Georgia’s national dish. So good!
Vastly different, the cuisine of these two unique places were amazing. Sicilian food (don’t call it Italian) is fresh and full of flavor and the Sicilians are so incredibly proud of their food. In Georgia we were astonished to stumble on the unique and flavorful cuisine influenced over a thousand years by travelers along the Silk Road.
Best Food Tour – Bologna Italy & T’bilisi Georgia
Not the Bologna of your childhood.
Kinkali dumplings in Georgia
Again it’s a tie. We do a lot of food tours. The best ones include unique hidden places, tidbits of history and insider knowledge, served up with a knowledgeable and humorous guide. I highly recommend both of these tours if you visit Bologna and Tours and the City or T’bilisi with Culinary Backstreets.
Best Cooking Class – Crete Greece and Honorable Mention Koh Chang Thailand
The Crete class was amazing, a family affair in a beautiful new cooking space. With our friends we were welcomed by the family at Veerna’s Kitchen and enjoyed a marvelous experience. We also had a tasty and fun day with Bunny at her Napalai Thai Cooking School in Koh Chang Thailand.
Outdoor oven at Veerna’s Cooking School, Crete
Delicious foods at Napalai Cooking School Koh Chang Thailand
Best Meal – Mother Wolf Las Vegas Nevada USA
Best meal of the year, surprisingly in Las Vegas
We spent a few days in Las Vegas in June, specifically to attend a concert of my husband’s favorite artist Elvis Costello. We were traveling with another couple, and before the concert we enjoyed one of the best meals I have ever had at beautiful restaurant called Mother Wolf. If you visit Las Vegas you must eat there.
Most Unique Food – Tajikistan
Qurutob – delicious
I bet you never heard of Qurutob. I sure hadn’t. But it is the national dish of Tajikistan and it is an acquired taste; dried sour yogurt is rehydrated and mixed with a delicious selection of grilled vegetables, bread and meat. We loved it!
Best Beer – Samarkand Uzbekistan
Sam Craft in Samarkand Uzbekistan
One of our free evenings in Samarkand we went looking for a micro brew pub. My husband has an internal radar for micro brew pubs. And we found Sam Craft. It was worth the search on a rainy night.
Best Wine – T’bilisi Georgia
I tried a lot of wine in T’bilisi. Here enjoying several on my food tour.
I learned while in Georgia that this country is considered the earliest place where wine was made, based on 8000 year old findings of wine making. The Georgian people take this very seriously, and all the wine we had was excellent. Back in the USA we looked for and found some places to purchase delicious Georgian wine…it is now part of our wine cellar.
Culture
Most Authentic Cultural Experience – Kyrgyzstan
Master Eagle Hunter Kyrgyzstan
Yurt Making – not many artisans left. This family welcomed us into their home to learn how it’s done.
We only had four days in Kyrgyzstan, but it was some of the most memorable days of my travels. And two authentic cultural experiences happened on the same day; spending time with a Master Eagle Hunter and a Yurt Building Family. Both these occupations are UNESCO Cultural protected ancient activities. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity with these people.
Most Amazing Man Made Structure – Matera Italy
Matera Italy was mind blowing – I had never heard of this place that dates back to the Paleolithic period
How to choose the winner when we visited Rome, Barcelona, Athens and amazing Uzbekistan? But we decided on one of the most unique places we have ever seen, an unexpected and new to us city of cave dwellings from thousands of years ago…the remarkable city of Matera. With a history of continuous occupation dating back to the Paleolithic (10th millennium BC), it is renowned for its rock-cut urban core, whose twin cliff side zones are known collectively as the Sassi. If you go to Italy – it’s a must.
Most Incredible Natural Sight – Baobab Alley Madagascar
Remarkable place
I had been dreaming about seeing this place with my own eyes for years….and I was not disappointed. Nature is so amazing. Grateful that Madagascar has protected the Baobab trees.
Best Gardens – Schonbrunn Palace Vienna Austria
The gardens at Schonbrunn Palace
Well the incredible mansion/ Palace (Castle?) of the Hapsburg Dynasty just outside of Vienna was astonishing in itself, but the gardens…Wow. Hands down my favorite of all the gardens we saw this year.
Best Market – Khujand Market Tajikistan and Chorsu Market Tashkent Uzbekistan
This is only one part (the meat part) of Chorsu Market in Tashkent Uzbekistan
I loved this market in Khujand Tajikistan
If you read my blog posts much you know that a good, authentic market is possibly my favorite thing to do in any place we visit. And both of these, Chorsu in Uzbekistan and Khujand Tajikistan were all about the locals finding what they need from meat to produce to cheese and even clothing and shoes. It was perfect.
Best Museum – Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Baku Azerbaijan, Honorable Mention Belvedere Vienna Austria
Hand tying a beautiful wool carpet
The building is designed to look like a rolled up carpet.
We visited dozens of museums over the past year. So it was very hard to pick even two in this category. We considered everything from the amazing Acropolis Museum in Athens to the Gangster Museum in Las Vegas. But our choice for the top two are the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and the Belvedere Art Museum in Vienna. Though very different both house incredible works of art and are housed in magnificent architecturally unique building.
The exterior at the Belvedere
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt at the Belvedere
Best Walking Tour – Chania Crete & Night tour Baku Azerbaijan
Chania Crete
Baku Azerbaijan
We arrived in both Chania and Baku with not a lot of knowledge about the history (both recent and ancient) of either place. A good walking tour is always helpful in these situations. In Chania our group of six hired a guide who was born and raised in the town, was funny and informative and spoke excellent English. In Baku we did a night tour with five other “new” friends – the city absolutely sparkled at night and we learned some amazing history we would have completely missed without this excellent tour and guide.
Best Overall Historical Site – Athens Greece
Hadrian’s Library
We are so glad we returned to Athens for a longer visit after having a awful one day tour off a cruise ship decades ago. This time we explored this amazing city and all it has from top to bottom. It really is a remarkable place.
Best Performance – Spanish Riding School Vienna Austria and Honorable Mention Elvis Costello Las Vegas Nevada
I did not realize what we were getting into when we went to the Spanish Riding School performance in Vienna but it was unlike any horse performance anywhere in the world. Astonishing. And a wonderful concert in Las Vegas with Elvis Costello deserves an honorable mention.
I have never seen anything like the Spanish Riding School performance in Vienna
Elvis Costello still rocking after all these years
Best One Day Tour – Georgia
Georgia was incredible – this is Gergeti Trinity Church
In T’bilisi we hired a guide to take us to the Gudauri region, several hours outside the city and near the Russian border. This is a popular ski area, and also popular for tourists to hike and enjoy waterfalls and to visit the famous Gergeti Trinity Church. We lucked out with gorgeous weather on our visit…only a week later they got their first snow.
Best Multi-Day Tour – The Five Stans Intrepid Travel
Uzbekistan
After postponing this trip a few times due to the PanDamit, it finally happened for us in 2024. A 28 day tour. We were hesitant if 28 days and five countries would be too much. But thankfully Intrepid Travel made this an exceptional experience with very few bumps along the way. This was our second time using Intrepid and I think they have my loyalty.
Kazakhstan
Best Tour Guide – Svetlana with Intrepid Travel
With Svetlana in Kyrgyzstan
One of the reasons Intrepid has our loyalty is they know what makes a good guide. Patient, smart, empathetic, funny and able to function on no sleep! Our guide in the Stans was Svetlana and she was absolutely remarkable.
Nature
Best Sunrise – Koh Chang Thailand
Koh Chang Sunrise
Every morning with my coffee. It was the best thing about this Airbnb.
Best Sunset – Madagascar
Baobab Alley at sunset
A dream come true in Madagascar being here at sunset.
Best Hike – Zingaro Natural Reserve Sicily and Mount Rainier Washington State
Zingaro Nature Reserve was a short drive from our Airbnb in Scopello Sicily
My favorite place in the world, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State USA
We hike ALOT – around the world and at home in Washington State. Our favorites this year were very diverse, stunning and inspiring.
Overall Natural Beauty – Madagascar
Hidden treasure everywhere
Madagascar blew my mind. What a place.
Best Wildlife – Madagascar
There just aren’t enough words to adequately describe the wildlife of Madagascar. Photos help.
Chameleons and other reptiles where so beautiful but often camoflaged
Lemurs of all kinds
So beautiful
How beautiful is that?
Best Bird Watching – Madagascar
We have become very interested in birds over the last few years…but even with this interest we never gave much thought to where birds sleep. Or how they sleep. In Madagascar we had the remarkable experience of doing a night walking tour and seeing birds sleeping. And lots of other amazing birds too.
Though we had a lot of rain during February in Sicily we got out and ran the dirt roads on the small peninsula where our cute Airbnb was. Rarely saw a car or another human.
Best Pool or Spa – Caldea Spa Andorra
Well that was a fun day at Caldea Spa in Andorra
We spent two short days in the tiny country of Andorra that straddles France and Spain. Our favorite thing we did was enjoy a full day at the famous Caldea Spa.
Weather
Hottest Day – Madagascar
It was great to get out on the water on this extreme hot and dry day
Most Humid – Thailand
Some days the humidity was oppressive
Coldest Day – Border Crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Icy cold wind greeted us as we crossed the border on foot between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Wettest Day – Bologna Italy
It was raining buckets but luckily Bologna’s famous porticoes kept us mostly dry
Windiest – Athens Greece and San Marino
We nearly blew off the mountain top of tiny San Marino
There were people up here in shorts and tshirt…terribly unprepared and turning blue.
Travel
Longest Travel Day – Koh Chang Thailand to Bologna Italy
Tiny Trat Airport
Thirty four hours door to door – this day included a van, a ferry, three flights and a taxi. A total distance of 5971 miles. Thank goodness we have airport lounge privileges. Our longest single flight was Dubai to Seattle at 7410 miles; but a mere 18 hours door to door.
Shortest Flight – Trat to Bangkok
A quick flight covering 161 miles go us close to our destination of Koh Chang, but we also had to take a ferry.
Best Airport – Changi Singapore
Its worth it to visit Singapore just to see this airport.
One of the best and most beautiful airports in the world – Changi Singapore
Worst Airport – Morondava Madagascar
This place wasn’t the smallest airport we have ever been in, but it nearly was. Departure board was a white board written in colored marker
Miscellaneous
Expensive But Worth It – Five Stans Tour with Intrepid Travel
Of course a 28 day tour covering five countries isn’t going to be cheap. We had cars, planes, trains, vans, subways, all of our lodging, much of our food and the most amazing guide included in Intrepid Travels Five Stans Tour. For two people the cost was $13,530 dollars – just under $500 per day. I don’t regret it.
Each Country was amazing. This is Kyrgyzstan
This is Turkmenistan
The Ouch Award – Car Crash in Yerevan Armenia
It doesn’t look that serious. And it would not have been if we had been wearing seat belts.
A difficult lesson was learned when we got into a taxi that did not have seat belts. It wasn’t the first time in our travels where we have encountered this. We should have refused…but we didn’t and five minutes later the crazy driver crashed. At first we thought we were okay, just shaken. But the next day Arne had some serious and frightening symptoms. A trip to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with a concussion. He did not have to stay in the hospital but he did have to lay low for the following two weeks, causing us to change our itinerary to give him time to recover before we began the Stans tour. We are very grateful it wasn’t worse. Seat belts. Always.
Best Photo of the Year
With 24 countries its hard to choose which photo is the best….not to mention I am obsessive about photo taking. But for 2024 we choose these – a collection of Baobab Alley Madagascar. Seeing this was a lifelong dream of mine. And it was just as amazing as I had imagined.
Baobab Alley
Wildflowers Baobab Alley
Sunset at Baobab Alley
Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024
There you have it. The best of the best of My Fab Fifties Life travel of 2024. Amazing, memorable and unique experiences with new cultures and fantastic experiences around the world. What a grand adventure it is. We sure hope you will consider visiting some of these places and enjoying some of these unique experiences too – the eighth annual world travel awards 2024. Please let us know if you do visit any of our suggestions.
High above Bovilla Reservoir in Albania. That road to get here was interesting.
What next?
As I post this annual awards I am on the island of Maui – the first stop of our 2025 adventure. Over the next year we will visit anywhere from 8-12 more countries. Those include the Cook Islands, Australia, Singapore, Bhutan, France, Luxembourg, USA and Canada – with others still in the works.
Friendly and docile chameleons are my new favorite
It takes me weeks to write this post so I hope you have enjoyed the Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024. My goal is to inspire you. The world is so amazing…not everyone is going to want to go to places like Kyrgyzstan. I understand that. But I hope you have learned something and perhaps are motivated to step beyond your comfort zone. We hope you will continue to follow us around the globe, comment, pin and share this post so others can follow as well. Thank you and stay fabulous. This travel blog wouldn’t be possible without all of you.
Beautiful memorial in Novi Sad Serbia remembering the 4000 civilians murdered by the Hungarian forces during WWII
More From the Past
If you would like to see our Travel Awards from the past, you can click on any of these links; 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF TRAVEL!!! We appreciate it when you comment, share and pin our blog posts – especially this one!! The Eighth Annual World Travel Awards 2024. Stay tuned! Lots of adventures ahead! Thank you.
I listened to this on on Audible while we were home over the holidays and I was doing so much running around in the car. It was good. Read by Saskia Maarleveld, who reads many other Audible’s including the Kate Quinn books. Lots of family drama and a murder mystery too. Here is my book review The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.
Location
For me personally I enjoyed the region this book is placed in upstate New York and the Adirondacks. I enjoy this area very much. Moore’s description of the area, the summer camp and the geographical beauty was accurate and engaging.
The Plot
The novel is set in an area of up state New York where a family owns a remote but opulent summer home that employs much of the nearby town. The estate was originally a hunting and fishing lodge, and it retains a part of the land for a summer camp for wealthy kids. This is how we are introduced to the story. Like many books the mystique of the plot relies on jumping around between the mid 1950’s, an event that happens in 1961 and the current time of 1975.
Parts of the plot are good, but other parts were a stretch as far as believable..despite the fact the story is set in the 1960’s and 70’s. Even back then I don’t think a missing person/murder investigation would be handled the way the one in this story was handled. I had my own set of suspects for most of the book…I turned out to be wrong. There are some intense moments, and plot twists I didn’t see coming, including the ending. You will encounter addiction, loneliness, poverty, corruption and wealth as well as gender issues during a time when women were only beginning to advance.
The Characters
There are a lot of characters in the book. I didn’t have any trouble keeping them straight in my mind, and most are well developed. Some are very annoying, but that was in keeping with the story line; a simpering wife who turns to alcohol; an overbearing husband who uses his wealth and prestige to get what he wants; a quiet hard working camp director who seems to be hiding something; and a female detective trying to solve the case despite the roadblocks thrown her way as the first women Investigator in New York.
There are many more characters too who move the plot forward, some more believable than others.
Book Review The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I liked but didn’t love this book despite the great reviews it has received from many other reviewers. I do recommend it for suspense and the topic of female characters navigating the changing times.
****Four stars for The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. Thanks for reading my book review The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. See last week’s book review A Sterling Life by Mark Hester.
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